Several USMNT players can take their game to new levels under Mauricio Pochettino as the Stars and Stripes prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
U.S. Soccer finally parted ways with Gregg Berhalter after the U.S. Men’s National Team crashed out of Copa America 2024 in the group stage. Months went by without a new hire until Mauricio Pochettino agreed to the gig after his departure from Chelsea.
The 52-year-old has no experience coaching at the international level, but his experience in three of Europe’s top five leagues made him a standout candidate for the job. American fans are eagerly awaiting to see how their favorite stars will perform under the new boss, especially the players who struggled to find their footing under Berhalter.
Here’s a breakdown of three USMNT players that could shine under Pochettino.
1. Gio Reyna
Gio Reyna is free from Gregg Berhalter, and has every opportunity to show just what he can do under Mauricio Pochettino. The 22-year-old is one of the USA’s most exciting playmakers, yet he spent much of his young international career on the bench or playing as a central midfielder under Berhalter.
Reyna is at his best when he plays as a No. 10, and Pochettino could be the coach to finally give the Dortmund man a chance to shine in the final third, especially after the Stars and Stripes’ midfield did not record a single goal or assist at Copa America 2024.
2. Weston McKennie
It is no secret Weston Mckennie had a disappointing Copa America 2024. The midfielder was often beat on the ball—he lost a game-high 10 duels against Uruguay in a must-win match—and could not produce any of the quality needed to create dangerous goalscoring chances.
With a new manager at the helm, McKennie will have to bounce back from his poor summer performances and prove himself worthy of a starting spot in Pochettino’s XI. The 25-year-old can have a resurgence under the former Tottenham boss, and play to the level the world expects of a starting midfielder ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
3. Folarin Balogun
The striker position on the USMNT has been a revolving door in recent years; Haji Wright, Josh Sargent, Ricardo Pepi, and Folarin Balogun have all shared minutes playing as Berhalter’s No. 9, and the lack of consistency hurt the Stars and Stripes on more than one occasion.
After scoring two goals in three matches for the USA at Copa America 2024, though, Balogun has emerged as “the guy” up top. The 23-year-old will only benefit under a manager that helped develop Harry Kane, England’s all-time leading goalscorer. All signs point to Balogun taking his game to the next level under Pochettino.
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